15 Best Sauces for Ham (with Easy Recipes)
Nothing beats a perfectly glazed ham at your dinner table!
I’ve spent years discovering amazing sauces that turn an ordinary ham into something truly special.
From my grandma’s secret brown sugar coating to fancy restaurant-style glazes, these tasty toppings have quite a story to tell.
Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a Sunday dinner, I’m excited to share 15 mouthwatering sauces that’ll make your ham the star of the show.
Trust me, you’ll find your new favorite here!
Why Right Sauces Make All the Difference with Ham?
Think of sauce as your ham’s best friend! The right topping brings out amazing flavors you never knew were there.
When you mix sweet, tangy, and savory tastes, magic happens on your plate.
I’ve found that different sauces work better with baked, smoked, or grilled ham – it’s all about finding that perfect match.
Best Sauces for Ham
Get ready to discover everything from classic glazes to surprising new flavors!
I’ve picked my top 15 sauces that’ll make your ham taste amazing.
Each one brings something special to the table, and they’re all super easy to use.
1. Brown Sugar Glaze
My grandma taught me this classic favorite, and it’s still my go-to choice!
Mix dark brown sugar with melted butter, add a pinch of cinnamon, and watch the magic happen.
I love how it forms a sweet, sticky coating that gets all caramelized and crispy on the edges.
You’ll want to baste your ham every 20 minutes while baking – trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!
2. Honey Mustard Sauce
Ever tried mixing different mustards in your sauce? I discovered that combining smooth Dijon with honey creates an amazing texture!
Add local honey for sweetness, and you’ve got something special. Serve it slightly warm – that’s when the flavors really pop.
My kids even started eating more ham since I made this their dipping sauce.
3. Maple Bourbon Glaze
Here’s a fancy twist that’ll make your guests ask for seconds!
Real maple syrup (skip the fake stuff) mixed with a splash of bourbon creates pure magic.
Don’t worry about the alcohol – it cooks off, leaving just the amazing flavor.
I learned this trick at a cooking class, and now it’s my secret weapon for special occasions.
4. Pineapple Glaze
Fresh pineapple makes this tropical dream come true!
Blend it with brown sugar and a touch of ginger for a sauce that’ll transport you to Hawaii.
While canned pineapple works in a pinch, fresh gives you that perfect sweet-tart balance.
It’s especially amazing on thick-cut ham steaks on the grill.
5. Orange Marmalade Glaze
Looking for something different? Grab that jar of marmalade from your fridge!
The citrus bits create little bursts of flavor that’ll wake up your taste buds.
I mix in some honey to balance the bitter orange peels. You can make this sauce days ahead – it actually gets better over time!
6. Cherry Sauce
During summer, I use fresh cherries from the farmers’ market, but frozen ones work great too!
Add some star anise and cinnamon to make the flavor pop. Let it simmer until it’s thick and glossy.
My family fights over the last spoonfuls every time I make this rich, fruity topping.
7. Cumberland Sauce
This fancy British sauce is easier than you think! Mix red currant jelly with orange zest and a splash of port wine.
It sounds fancy, but it’s super simple to make. I serve it cold, and it’s perfect for leftover ham sandwiches too.
8. Jezebel Sauce
Down in the South, this sweet-hot combo has been making folks happy for generations!
Mix pineapple preserves with apple jelly, and add horseradish and mustard for a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.
I store mine in mason jars – it stays good for weeks in the fridge. My neighbor begs for this recipe every holiday season!
9. Red-Eye Gravy
Y’all won’t believe how coffee makes this gravy sing!
After frying your country ham, pour in some strong black coffee and watch the magic happen. The coffee brings out the meat’s saltiness in the best way.
My grandpa taught me this old-school recipe, and it’s still a breakfast favorite in our house.
10. Horseradish Sauce
Want to clear your sinuses? This creamy, spicy sauce will do the trick!
Mix fresh-grated horseradish with sour cream – it’s way better than store-bought.
You can control the heat by adding more or less horseradish.
I learned to wear goggles while grating after one teary-eyed cooking session!
11. Raisin Sauce
This old-fashioned favorite brings back memories of Sunday dinners at my aunt’s house.
Plump raisins simmered in sweet sauce with a hint of cloves create pure comfort in a bowl.
Try it with a glass of red wine – the flavors match perfectly. It’s especially delicious on thick-cut ham slices.
12. Cranberry Sauce
Skip the canned stuff and make your own!
Fresh cranberries bubbling with orange juice and brown sugar create a festive topping that’s perfect for holiday hams.
I make extra batches during cranberry season and freeze them. The tartness cuts through the ham’s richness beautifully.
13. Apricot Glaze
Dried apricots soaked overnight make this glaze extra special.
Blend them with honey and ginger for a smooth, fruity coating that sticks perfectly to your ham.
I discovered this combo at a food festival and haven’t looked back since. The leftovers taste amazing on morning toast!
14. BBQ Sauce
Every region has its own spin, but I love mixing Memphis-style sweetness with Texas smoke.
Keep it slightly thinner than regular BBQ sauce so it coats evenly.
My secret? Add a splash of cola for extra caramelization. It’s perfect for grilled ham steaks on summer evenings.
15. Dijon Mustard Sauce
Let’s talk about my favorite French-inspired topping!
Mix smooth Dijon with a splash of white wine and heavy cream for a sauce that’ll make you feel like a fancy chef.
I found this trick while visiting Paris – they serve it warm with ham.
The sauce gets thicker as it cools, so thin it with a little cream if needed. My dinner guests always ask for extra!
Final Thoughts
After learning all these amazing sauces for ham, I think you’ve realized that the perfect match is about what makes your taste buds happy!
Whether you love sweet glazes like brown sugar and maple bourbon, or tangy options like Cumberland and horseradish, there’s something here for everyone.
Keep your sauces in airtight containers – most last about a week in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors or adjust the amounts for your ham size.
Have fun exploring these tasty combinations – your perfect ham sauce adventure awaits!
